News for '-forester'

Top Maoist leader Basavaraju's killing major setback for outfit

Top Maoist leader Basavaraju's killing major setback for outfit

Rediff.com21 May 2025

The killing of CPI-Maoist general secretary Nambala Keshav Rao alias Basavaraju, the topmost leader by security forces in Chhattisgarh, is a major setback for the banned outfit. Basavaraju, who was on the most wanted list of the NIA, was among the 27 dreaded Naxals killed by security forces in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region. The Telangana Police official said that the killing will be a demoralising factor for the Maoists. The official pointed out that the Maoists are already demoralised and hundreds of their cadres have surrendered before Telangana police besides many being arrested.

Kerala forest dept's Thrissur Pooram circular sparks controversy

Kerala forest dept's Thrissur Pooram circular sparks controversy

Rediff.com13 Apr 2024

The temple authorities and jumbo owners even suspected that the conditions of the circular with regard to parading of the domestic elephants during festivals were part of a conspiracy to sabotage the Pooram.

Bihar's Revision Of Voters List: What's Cooking?

Bihar's Revision Of Voters List: What's Cooking?

Rediff.com1 Jul 2025

'The Election Commission is conducting the National Register of Citizens in Bihar through the backdoor.'

Man Scares Minor With Cobra, Molests Her

Man Scares Minor With Cobra, Molests Her

Rediff.com22 May 2025

The Kota police have arrested a 29-year-old man for allegedly molesting a minor girl after scaring her with a cobra he kept illegally at his home.

Forest staffer suspended for anti-EVM WhatsApp status

Forest staffer suspended for anti-EVM WhatsApp status

Rediff.com4 Apr 2024

A forest department staffer in Yavatmal district of Maharashtra has been suspended for allegedly violating the model code of conduct by keeping a WhatsApp status message that raised question marks over the efficacy of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), an official said on Thursday.

Indore tourist likely killed with machete in Meghalaya; wife missing

Indore tourist likely killed with machete in Meghalaya; wife missing

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

The couple arrived in Mawlakhiat village on May 22 on a rented scooter. They trekked over 3,000 steps down the gorge to visit the famous living root bridges in Nongriat village, where they stayed the night, according to police.

8 fresh forest fires in 24 hours in U'khand; Army joins IAF to douse fire

8 fresh forest fires in 24 hours in U'khand; Army joins IAF to douse fire

Rediff.com28 Apr 2024

Efforts have also intensified to extinguish the raging forest fires in the state, especially in the worst-affected areas of Nainital, Haldwani and Ramnagar forest divisions, forest officials here said on Sunday.

Southern states face ageing population challenges: Panagariya

Southern states face ageing population challenges: Panagariya

Rediff.com17 Apr 2025

The Sixteenth Finance Commission Chairman, Arvind Panagariya, has highlighted the challenges faced by southern states due to falling fertility rates and the subsequent increase in dependency ratios and ageing populations. He noted that Andhra Pradesh, Assam, and Tamil Nadu have raised concerns about these demographic trends. The Commission is currently touring the states to gather feedback and is expected to submit its recommendations after completing nationwide consultations.

5 crashes, zero action: Kedarnath's air safety crisis deepens

5 crashes, zero action: Kedarnath's air safety crisis deepens

Rediff.com17 Jun 2025

The recent helicopter crash near Kedarnath, in which seven lives were lost, has proven yet again that aviation regulatory authorities have not learnt lessons from similar air mishaps in the challenging Kedar valley and have done little to improve flying conditions.

Bhutan: The Last Shangri-La

Bhutan: The Last Shangri-La

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

The visitor returns not just with the jewel-like beauty of the country imprinted on the mind, the body rejuvenated by hot stone massages, but also with the captivating stories and myths that are built into every important structure -- whether a tourist magnet or an off-the-beaten track spot.

'Europe Loved Aranyer Din Ratri'

'Europe Loved Aranyer Din Ratri'

Rediff.com20 May 2025

'I am glad Aranyer Din Ratri is being shown at Cannes.' 'The film was better appreciated outside India even when released originally.'

Flash floods claim 5 lives in Himachal, 3 in Jammu; red alert in Kerala

Flash floods claim 5 lives in Himachal, 3 in Jammu; red alert in Kerala

Rediff.com27 Jun 2025

While two bodies were recovered on Wednesday, the death toll climbed to four on Thursday after the recovery of two more bodies from the Indira Priyadarshini Hydroelectric project site in Kangra district.

EPL PIX: Liverpool clear after Arsenal held; Man City thrash Palace

EPL PIX: Liverpool clear after Arsenal held; Man City thrash Palace

Rediff.com13 Apr 2025

A round-up of Saturday's action in the Premier League.

Top Maoist ideologue Sudhakar killed in Chhattisgarh encounter

Top Maoist ideologue Sudhakar killed in Chhattisgarh encounter

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

Originally hailing from Andhra Pradesh, the 67-year-old was involved in indoctrination and radicalization of youth and also responsible for numerous Maoist attacks in Chhattisgarh, resulting in the death of civilians and security personnel, they said.

'I've No Desire To Be Prime Minister'

'I've No Desire To Be Prime Minister'

Rediff.com4 Jul 2025

'I am not an aspiration-oriented politician.' 'This is the time to redefine politics.' 'Politics of power is not real politics.'

Local woman spotted terrorists, led to Kathua combing ops

Local woman spotted terrorists, led to Kathua combing ops

Rediff.com26 Mar 2025

A massive multi-tier combing operation to track down a group of infiltrating terrorists continued for the fourth consecutive day in forested areas of Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district. The operation, involving the army, NSG, BSF, police, Special Operation Group, and CRPF, is supported by helicopter, UAVs, drones, bulletproof vehicles, and sniffer dogs. The operation was launched on Sunday evening following an encounter between security forces and terrorists hiding in a nursery. Security agencies have questioned several persons in various areas and picked up three suspects for questioning.

Sharmila Tagore, Simi Garewal At Cannes

Sharmila Tagore, Simi Garewal At Cannes

Rediff.com20 May 2025

For the special screening of their film Aranyer Din Ratri at Cannes, Sharmila and Simi were dressed to the nines.

HC orders FIR against TN minister for remarks on Hinduism

HC orders FIR against TN minister for remarks on Hinduism

Rediff.com18 Apr 2025

The Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu police to file a case against state Forest Minister K Ponmudy, following his recent controversial remarks about Shaivism and Vaishnavism. The court warned the police that if they do not register an FIR against the DMK leader, it will initiate suo motu contempt proceedings.

Sam Pitroda reacts over BJP's land-grabbing allegations

Sam Pitroda reacts over BJP's land-grabbing allegations

Rediff.com27 Feb 2025

Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda has denied owning any land, home, or stocks in India, responding to allegations by a BJP leader that he illegally acquired 12.35 acres of government land in Bengaluru. The BJP leader, N R Ramesh, has filed a complaint with the Enforcement Directorate and the Karnataka Lokayukta, alleging that Pitroda, with the help of government officials, acquired the land for his organization, FRLHT. Pitroda, in a statement on X, categorically denied the allegations, stating he has never taken any salary during his time working with the Indian government and has never paid or accepted any bribe. He further clarified that FRLHT received a five-year lease on the land for conservation purposes, which expired in 2001 and was extended for another 10 years. Ramesh claims the lease expired in 2011 and the land, now worth over Rs 150 crore, was not reclaimed by the forest department. He has urged the ED to file a criminal case against those involved in the alleged land grab, including the officials responsible.

BSF destroyed 118 Pak forward posts, surveillance system: Amit Shah

BSF destroyed 118 Pak forward posts, surveillance system: Amit Shah

Rediff.com30 May 2025

More than 118 Pakistani forward posts and their surveillance system were completely destroyed by the BSF during Operation Sindoor, dealing a major blow to the neighbouring country, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Friday.

Slot, Salah in record books as Liverpool lift EPL title

Slot, Salah in record books as Liverpool lift EPL title

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

Key stats from Liverpool's season after they won their second Premier League title on Sunday and a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title...

EPL PIX: Man United lose; Saka scores on return

EPL PIX: Man United lose; Saka scores on return

Rediff.com2 Apr 2025

IMAGES from the Premier League matches played on Tuesday.

Indo-US NISAR Satellite Set for July Launch

Indo-US NISAR Satellite Set for July Launch

Rediff.com18 Jun 2025

NISAR will not be used for surveillance and will be used to observe the earth.

Women among 6 held for aiding terrorists behind Kathua attack

Women among 6 held for aiding terrorists behind Kathua attack

Rediff.com31 Mar 2025

Security forces have intensified search operations using aerial surveillance and sniffer dogs following a night-long cordon after fresh reports of suspected movement of three individuals, believed to be terrorists, who escaped a recent encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district, officials said.

Disaster Averted In J&K

Disaster Averted In J&K

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, the Indian Army's Chinar Warriors and the Jammu and Kashmir police recovered and destroyed an IED on the Wadder-Haphruda road at Haphruda village in Kupwara, north Kashmir.

Bengaluru Tragedy: Why India Must Rethink Crowd Safety

Bengaluru Tragedy: Why India Must Rethink Crowd Safety

Rediff.com5 Jun 2025

What happened in Bengaluru is a wake-up call, no celebration of sport should ever come at the cost of human life, asserts veteran cricket correspondent K R Nayar.

Chopper crashes near Kedarnath, all 7 on board killed; AAIB to probe

Chopper crashes near Kedarnath, all 7 on board killed; AAIB to probe

Rediff.com15 Jun 2025

Rudraprayag District Disaster Management Officer Nandan Singh Rajwar told PTI that the accident took place above the forests of Gaurikund amid poor visibility due to bad weather.

Nephew kills uncle over 5-year affair with aunt in UP

Nephew kills uncle over 5-year affair with aunt in UP

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

A man in Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, allegedly shot dead his uncle after the uncle discovered a five-year-long affair between the nephew and the uncle's wife. The nephew, Mehrban, and his associate Umar, were arrested following a police encounter.

Chh'garh cop killed in Maoist blast 2 days before daughter's birthday

Chh'garh cop killed in Maoist blast 2 days before daughter's birthday

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

He had promised his daughter that he would be there, come what may, a kin said. But fate had a different plan.

Assam to use 1950 Act for direct eviction of illegal foreigners: Sarma

Assam to use 1950 Act for direct eviction of illegal foreigners: Sarma

Rediff.com9 Jun 2025

The final NRC, a list of Indian citizens residing in Assam, was released in 2019 by excluding 19,06,657 people. However, it has not been notified by the Registrar General of India, leaving the controversial document without any official validity.

Ex-IFS officers urge PM to drop Aravalli safari project

Ex-IFS officers urge PM to drop Aravalli safari project

Rediff.com10 Feb 2025

A group of retired forest officers has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding the immediate scrapping of the 10,000-acre safari project in Haryana's Aravallis, arguing that it will harm the environment and wildlife. They highlight the "alarming destruction" of the Aravallis due to mining, quarrying, real estate development, and deforestation, and warn that the project could disturb aquifers crucial for water-starved districts. The retired officers also emphasize the importance of protecting the Aravallis, which is the only significant forest cover in Haryana, for its role in restoring humidity and rainfall in the region.

FA Cup door open for Crystal Palace, but Aston Villa stand in way

FA Cup door open for Crystal Palace, but Aston Villa stand in way

Rediff.com26 Apr 2025

Crystal Palace have never won the FA Cup, Aston Villa last lifted the trophy in 1957 and Nottingham Forest have not managed it since 1959 but all three clubs go into this weekend's semi-finals genuinely believing this could be their year.

SC sets aside T'gana HC order declaring 106 acre of forest land as private

SC sets aside T'gana HC order declaring 106 acre of forest land as private

Rediff.com19 Apr 2024

The humans have "selective amnesia" about the significance of forests, the Supreme Court said on Thursday while advocating the need for a change in approach towards natural resources from anthropocentric to ecocentric.

'Global Warming Isn't Going To Come Down'

'Global Warming Isn't Going To Come Down'

Rediff.com17 Mar 2025

'The global climate system doesn't look at where the carbon dioxide is coming from. 'It may be emitted by the US, but it will not remain above the US alone but covers the whole world.'

Terrorists elude security forces after 12 days of Kathua ops

Terrorists elude security forces after 12 days of Kathua ops

Rediff.com3 Apr 2025

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir are continuing a multi-agency operation to track down three terrorists who have escaped multiple encounters. The operation has entered its 12th day and has seen the deployment of additional troops, aerial surveillance, and a crackdown on terrorist supporters.

16 Maoists killed in encounter in Chhattisgarh's Sukma; 2 jawans hurt

16 Maoists killed in encounter in Chhattisgarh's Sukma; 2 jawans hurt

Rediff.com29 Mar 2025

The gunfight broke out in the morning hours in a forest under the Kerlapal police station area where a joint team of security personnel was out on an anti-Maoist operation, an official said.

Heavy rains lash Kerala, 1 killed in tree fall incident

Heavy rains lash Kerala, 1 killed in tree fall incident

Rediff.com25 May 2025

Intense rains lashed Kerala on Sunday, uprooting trees across the state, including one that fell on a moving train in Thrissur and another that caused a fatality in Kozhikode. Houses were damaged, rivers were in spate, and shutters of some dams were raised as the southwest monsoon gained strength. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) placed five northern districts - Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod - under a 'red alert' for the day, predicting extremely heavy rainfall there.

Heavy Pak shelling leaves trail destruction in Poonch

Heavy Pak shelling leaves trail destruction in Poonch

Rediff.com7 May 2025

Heavy Pakistani shelling in the border district of Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir left nine people dead and 28 injured. The shelling, described by residents and officials as "barbaric and cowardly", started around 2 am, damaging dozens of residential houses, shops, vehicles, and heritage sites. The incident comes after India launched "Operation Sindoor" in retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. India condemned the act, calling it a cowardly attack on civilians, and reaffirmed that civilian safety remains its top priority.

Kathua encounters expose terror route via IB, will seal it: Police

Kathua encounters expose terror route via IB, will seal it: Police

Rediff.com16 Apr 2025

Four recent encounters in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district have exposed the route used by terrorists to infiltrate into India from across the International Border (IB), a senior police officer said. The successful recovery of huge quantities of arms and ammunition, including explosives, after the gunfights has scuttled a major plan of the terror groups to carry out a major strike in Jammu and Kashmir.

15 Years Ago This Day: When Maoists Sabotaged A Train

15 Years Ago This Day: When Maoists Sabotaged A Train

Rediff.com28 May 2025

On May 28, 2010, Maoists derailed the Jnaneshwari Express, killing 148 passengers.